Well this is interesting

[Bobster883]

Looks as though Ford is dropping the 2nd row middle console for the 22’s

https://fordauthority.com/2021/10/2...ches-the-second-row-center-floor-console/amp/

 

[Dale5403]

I just seen that article a few minutes ago. Saving a couple bucks I guess.

 

[st8]

I Believe its because it makes accessing the 3rd row more difficult. Of note, the top rated telluride doesn’t have a 2nd row center console. I know that may not mean much but I say it because it clearly is not a big deal if the most popular suv right now doesn’t have that console.
I get the sting of it though cause anytime they remove stuff and the price doesn’t reflect it, it sucks.

 

[GearHead_1]

Don't feel bad about it. Order the 3 person bench seat. It used to be a $500 upgrade and now is the same price as the captain's chairs. You'll never need to give that console a 2nd thought. I've never ridden back there but I've been told by the people that have that the bench is comfortable.

 

[st8]

Don't feel bad about it. Order the 3 person bench seat. It used to be a $500 upgrade and now is the same price as the captain's chairs. You'll never need to give that console a 2nd thought. I've never ridden back there but I've been told by the people that have that the bench is comfortable.

I don't think a second row console should ever concern anyone to that point. It offers nothing special. I went with captain chairs for the more luxurious, open feel, and I’ve been told kids love having their own seat. Hope it’s true. I curreny have a bench in my 17 explorer.

 

[bluesnake01]

I don't think a second row console should ever concern anyone to that point. It offers nothing special. I went with captain chairs for the more luxurious, open feel, and I’ve been told kids love having their own seat. Hope it’s true. I curreny have a bench in my 17 explorer.

The bench seat on the 20+ are actually usable for 3 people especially the middle person. Much more comfortable, roomier and wont leave a gap in the middle when you flatten the seats down.

 

[st8]

The bench seat on the 20+ are actually usable for 3 people especially the middle person. Much more comfortable, roomier and wont leave a gap in the middle when you flatten the seats down.

Yeah I’ve heard they improved it. Which is good! I think I could go either way. However I went captain chairs this go around. Seems like the ideal setup for kids from what I’ve heard from other parent drivers.

 

[NewYorkistanSux]

Wish the middle bench seat would slide. I have a 2021 model and the left & right seats slide, but not the middle. So when the other two are moved back, the middle one juts out.

 

[ZeroGravity]

I have a 2020 with the captains chairs second row. I agree with OP that the removal of the console is probably to make access to the third row easier. Makes sense. Probably a good idea. The 2nd row center console mostly offers two cup holders and since there are cupholders in the doors, that renders the cup holders in the console less necessary.

 

[ooHi-Fioo]

I don't think a second row console should ever concern anyone to that point. It offers nothing special. I went with captain chairs for the more luxurious, open feel, and I’ve been told kids love having their own seat. Hope it’s true. I curreny have a bench in my 17 explorer.

I've got a 2 year old and one on the way, this is why I went captains chairs. And easier access to the back as the seats are not going to fold when there are car seats in there.

 

[GearHead_1]

That makes perfect sense. I'd never considered 3rd-row access with car seats already installed.

 

[MikeyP]

I've got a 2 year old and one on the way, this is why I went captains chairs. And easier access to the back as the seats are not going to fold when there are car seats in there.

This is exactly why I got the captains chairs. A 3 year old and 6 month old.